The cartoon Kungfu Panda is set in China but it actually is a famous American production loved the world over. So what is missing from the Chinese animation industry? Cartoon talent, maybe.

Chinese elements were made into a successful American cartoon.

But China's own animation industry lacks the talent to mix interesting concepts together to create a good story.

There's an urgent need for good cartoon scriptwriters.

Yang Wenyan, Manager of Cartoon company said "Our techniques are not bad. But we don't have good stories. A good story is a fundamental element of a good cartoon."

Chen Yingjie, CEO of Cartoon company said: "We are on the wrong track but we don't lack technical talent. Chinese cartoon makers are involved in the production of many good movies from Hollywood and Disney. What we are lacking though is good scriptwriters. All of the good scriptwriters in China are writing TV series and movies, not cartoons."

The script is the weakest part of the production process of Chinese cartoon making.

Many universities have cartoon writing as a major subject, but it takes time for students to develop their talent.

So it is common practice that Chinese and foreign cartoon companies cooperate to do the job.

"Laura's stars" is one. It's a joint work of a German story and director and Chinese cartoon makers.

The producers of "Dreams of Jinsha" will also use American scriptwriters in their next story.

Su Xiaohong, Producer of "Dream of Jinsha" said "We will translate the script of our next story as soon as the Chinese version is complete. And we'll be joined by American scriptwriters so we can do a better job in the international market."

It's a win-win strategy of cooperation between Chinese and overseas cartoon makers. But in the long term, Chinese cartoons still need their own home grown script talent.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments